Character Advancement#
In standard D&D 5e, you must choose between an Ability Score Improvement (ASI) or a Feat every 4 levels. This house rule separates ASI and Feats, allowing you to gain both independently.
Ability Score Improvements (ASI)#
Instead of choosing between ASI and Feats, you now automatically receive +2 ASI every 4 levels, starting at level 2.
ASI Progression Table#
| Level | Ability Score Improvement |
|---|---|
| 2 | +2 points (can be split) |
| 6 | +2 points |
| 10 | +2 points |
| 14 | +2 points |
| 18 | +2 points |
How It Works#
- You receive +2 points to distribute among your ability scores
- You can put both points into one ability (e.g., +2 Strength)
- Or split them between two abilities (e.g., +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity)
- Ability scores still cap at 20 (unless you have special features that increase this)
**Example**: A level 6 Fighter with 16 Strength could increase it to 18, or increase Strength to 17 and Constitution to 15 (if it was 14).
Feats#
Feats are now gained separately from ASI, allowing you to customize your character without sacrificing ability score growth.
Feat Progression Table#
| Level | Feats Gained |
|---|---|
| 4 | 1 Feat |
| 8 | 1 Feat |
| 12 | 1 Feat |
| 16 | 1 Feat |
| 20 | 1 Feat |
Important Notes#
- Feats are gained based on total character level, not class level
- If you multiclass, you still gain feats at these levels
- You can choose any feat you qualify for (check prerequisites)
- Variant Human and Custom Lineage still get their bonus feat at level 1
**Multiclass Example**: If you're a Fighter 3/Wizard 1 (total level 4), you gain a feat at level 4, not when you reach Fighter 4.
Combined Progression Example#
Here’s what a character’s progression looks like through the first 8 levels:
| Level | ASI | Feat | Total Ability Improvements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | — | Starting ability scores |
| 2 | +2 | — | Increased one or two abilities |
| 3 | — | — | — |
| 4 | — | ✓ | Gained first feat |
| 5 | — | — | — |
| 6 | +2 | — | Increased abilities again |
| 7 | — | — | — |
| 8 | — | ✓ | Gained second feat |
Why This Change?#
This house rule addresses several design issues in standard 5e:
- More Customization: Players don’t have to choose between being effective (ASI) and being interesting (Feats)
- Better Balance: Martial classes benefit greatly from both ASI and Feats
- Faster Power Growth: Characters reach their optimal ability scores faster
- More Fun: Players get to explore more feat combinations
**Strategic Tip**: Plan your ASI and Feat choices together! Some feats synergize well with specific ability scores.
Remember: These improvements make characters more powerful, so expect tougher challenges!